i was wondering which to get, for home defense and turkey hunting in the fall.
i am new to firearms in general and like the fact 870 is low maitenance, but then the semi is only 50 bucks more

Mainah

March 8, 2008, 02:57 PM

I'm not sure that a semi would make any difference in a turkey or hd scenario, but fifty bucks would buy several cases of shells to practice with. I count my 870 as one of the best purchases I've ever made.

roy reali

March 8, 2008, 03:03 PM

Get the 870. Don't trust that new-fangled, semi automatic technology. Give it a few more years to get the bugs worked out of it. Let law enforcement and the military play with it for a few years to see if it actually has any merit to it.

Nemsis

March 8, 2008, 03:11 PM

I have a 1187 and a 870 the biggest difference between them is the 10min faster I get done cleaning the 870 ;)

SPUSCG

March 8, 2008, 03:26 PM

how long does it take to clean each?

Nemsis

March 8, 2008, 04:59 PM

10 min for the 870, 20-25min for the 1187 because you have to clean the gas piston

also if you get the 1100 buy it with the 18" barrel and buy a 28" barrel for hunting separetly. it's alot easier to find long barrels cheap than short ones

ronto

March 8, 2008, 05:19 PM

Get the pump...I prefer the Mossberg 500 for many reasons...But that's a whole new thread.

rem870hunter

March 8, 2008, 08:39 PM

if you can get both great. if not then go with the 870.

either way you can get extra barrels. the only trouble with either one though is the 1100 does not have a 20" barreled turkey model. but the 870 does, the barrel is only available new with the shotgun. unless you can find a used one. i have been looking for a 20" vent rib for my 870. no luck yet. but either one you can get 26"-30" vent ribbed barrels and smooth, fully rifled slug barrels. for turkey hunting i would get the 870 turkey model. it has the 20" vent rib barrel and get a loose 18.5" plain or a 20" smoothbore rifle sighted slug barrel for home defense. if you choose to deer hunt with slugs later you can use the rifle sighted slug barrel. depending on your f&w game laws. if its buckshot only the vent rib will be fine. maybe even that for home defense with an imp. cyl. choke tube in it.

TheNatureBoy

March 9, 2008, 07:40 AM

I harvested my first wall hanger with a Remington 1100, however, If given the choice I'd pick the 870

SPUSCG

March 9, 2008, 04:53 PM

can slugs be fired from the same barrell as some triple ought?

perazzimx14

March 9, 2008, 05:03 PM

Mainah,

$50 bucks will barely buy, but 1 case of shells theres days.

Roy Reali,

How many more years is it going to take to get the 1100 working to your standards??

The 1100 has been on the market for 30+ years I doubt that a couple more are going to make a diference.

SPUSCG

March 9, 2008, 07:35 PM

hey mainah, do you happen to know a good place to hunt turkeys?

rantingredneck

March 9, 2008, 07:43 PM

For HD or Turkey an 870 will serve you fine. I'd rather rely on a pump for HD for reliability reasons (even though I own an 11-87 and have owned an 1100 and trust them both). Also, when you're talking Turkey's you're likely to only have the opportunity or need for the one shot anyway.

That being said, turkey loads tend to kick a good bit and the gas operated auto will temper that some. But so will a good recoil pad on the 870. If you're only getting one I'd go with the pump. But I love my 11-87 too. :D

rantingredneck

March 9, 2008, 07:46 PM

can slugs be fired from the same barrell as some triple ought?

Yes. Brenneke's or Foster slugs do just fine from smoothbore barrels. Typically an IC choke works best or a rifled choke if you want to go that route. You can fire saboted slugs through a smoothbore but accuracy is usually not worth the extra $ unless you're using a rifled barrel. Rifled barrels don't do well with buckshot. They tend to spin the shot column and disperse the shot too quickly.

crowbeaner

March 9, 2008, 09:20 PM

If you get the 1100 you may fall under Osama Obama's glare because the 1100 is an evil semi auto. They both have sold millions. In really cold weather I pick the 870; the only semi I trust below zero is my A5 because it is a recoil operated action.

Ruger4570

March 9, 2008, 09:37 PM

I really don't know how or why people think a Pump is MORE reliable than a Semi auto like an 1100 etc. Kept even reasonably clean, a semi will function alongside any other gun made. Even a pump can have problems, they are NOT infailible.
The thought that some bad guy hearing you "pump" a round "in" is gonna make him fill his pants is simply BS and "wanna be or Rambo" talk.
I am sure, the sound of my semi chambering a round would be JUST as scarry to a BG.
So you got one of those "infailible" pumps, what happens when your pump hand gets hit with one of his rounds and it becomes useless to "pump" a round?? I'll take a reasonably cared for semi, that I can shoot by simply pulling the trigger over and over with my good hand.
For some reason, pumps seem to be the wherewithall with the SHTF folks. Personally, I would rather have my PROVEN 1100 for a SHTF situation no matter what than a pump gun.
Sad part is, some just think a pump is more relaible for some reason, not the case. Ask anyone that shoots 1,000's and 1,000's of rounds at Trap or Skeet with an 1100 or 11-87 or Betteta 390 or well,, you get the idea.
Damn few would choose a pump for intense compitition where 1000's of shots are fired, That in itself should convince the pump crowd that semi's work as well. I have no problem with pumps as I own 2 870's and 2 Ithaca Model 37's. I love them, but faced with a SHTF situation, I'll grab my Berreta 390 or my 1100 or 11-87 first. Bash away

nutty ned

March 9, 2008, 09:44 PM

If you can remember to pump it a 870 is good, if your like me then you need a 1100.

Doc TH

March 9, 2008, 09:51 PM

1100s have been around for a very long time and have a deserved excellent reputation. I have had mine for more than 20 years, and it has never malfunctioned. On the days when you fire many rounds, or want to get in practice with slugs, the gas operated semi is very kind. I have had pump actions, and while I wouldn't fault them I prefer my extremely reliable 1100.

b.thomas

March 10, 2008, 07:20 AM

I own both and my personnel preference is the auto but for your needs a 870 would be a better choice.

rantingredneck

March 10, 2008, 07:49 AM

My comment on reliability re: semi's stems from the fact that (on the 1100's or 11-87's at least) an O-ring out of place or pinched or simply worn can turn a semi into a single shot. Granted if you replace them as you should you shouldn't have a problem, but there's always a but.

And I'll wager that if a badguy's bullet hits the gas piston of an 1100 it wont work either :rolleyes:

Not to mention the fact that by that point the bullets are likely hitting you too.

crowbeaner

March 10, 2008, 11:51 AM

The problem with the 1100 and 11-87 is that the o-ring can break in extremely cold weather. SHTF? you must live in a very bad neighborhood. I like them all; can I have one or two of each?

model70fan

March 10, 2008, 02:23 PM

One problem I and many people I know have had is the extractor on the 1100 breaking. The 870 is one of the most reliable guns in the world, you can paddle the boat, drop it in the mud, then shoot the ducks with it:D It's the AK of the shotgun world. I've got the three main Rems. 870 (3 of 'em:D), 11-87 (2 of 'em:D), as well as an 1100. I did convert one of the 870s into a tactical, chopped the barrel, folding stock, pistol grip and forend, yada yada yada. Great HD gun, great hunting gun, for turkeys the fast follow ups are not as important as say ducks or something, the pump will work great, they sell turkey hunting models in it already as well as easily found barrels for other applications.

SPUSCG

March 10, 2008, 02:35 PM

is there a way to get more than 5 rounds in an 870? that swhat all ive seen sold are with except the marine magnum, but that doesnt look as good to me i want an actual wood stock. the 1100 with its 9 round capacity is good for me

SPUSCG

March 10, 2008, 02:36 PM

although ease of maitenance on an 870 speaks to me as well

SD_Chop

March 10, 2008, 02:45 PM

yes you can get extended mag tubes for the 870. I would go with the 870 myself, i own two of them, have another in my cruiser and also own a 1100. You can build your 870 just about any way possible with all the acc that are avaible for it. As stated above its real easy to change out the barrels if you wanna keep an 18 on it for HD then put a 24-28" super full choke for turkey. in 2007 field and stream voted the 870 2nd place all time greatest shotgun in history to date.

model70fan

March 10, 2008, 02:47 PM

You can buy magazine extensions for the 870 from sporting goods stores, online, midway, etc... The biggest one I see in midways newest master catalog is an 8 rnd extension for $80, midway has extensions ranging from 1-8 rnd extensions, depending on barrel length and how many rounds you want etc...

SPUSCG

March 10, 2008, 07:16 PM

how hard are those to install?

rantingredneck

March 10, 2008, 07:21 PM

The extensions just screw on where the standard magazine cap normally goes. The difficulty comes when you have to grind out the dimples in some models of 870 (or 1187 for that matter). Even with the grind job it takes about 30 mins with a dremel.

rem870hunter

March 10, 2008, 07:42 PM

if you haven't bought the shotgun yet look for an older model unless you want new. especially if you want the turkey model with the shorter vent rib barrel. the older models made before 1986 didn't have the newer dimples in the mag tube. i luckily have 2 older wingmaster that i can put tubes on without pressing or dremelling dimples. my express 870 has the dimples. my fathers 1100 is over 25 years old with no problems with it ever. we used to have mag extensions tubes that fit any of the 3, that would make any of them a 7 shot,an 8 shot or a 10 shot model.:D

Nemsis

March 10, 2008, 11:24 PM

the 870 and the 1100 both use the same mag extention and if I were you I'd buy an aftermarket mag extention the factory ones are 2 piece and not as strong as a choate or wilson combat

Yeah, on any road that I drive to and from work. Just drive until they fly out in front of you.

Seriously, it's a big state brotha'. I'd start with the local farmers, ask them.

Stiofan

March 13, 2008, 05:16 PM

I have both, each is over 30 years old and neither has given me any problems. I assume the 870 you speak of is a Wingmaster, in which case it's a toss up, I'd take either. If the 870 is an Express model I'd go for the 1100 due to the purty factor.

Snub357

March 16, 2008, 03:04 PM

870

You can turn it into whatever you want.

http://img249.echo.cx/img249/4892/w870b1up.jpg

http://img223.echo.cx/img223/2909/870e8gu.jpg

http://img223.echo.cx/img223/2253/870j7kj.jpg

SPUSCG

March 17, 2008, 01:21 PM

i dont think shooting turkeys out my windows a good idea, but i have seen them out in sebago on the road.

RandyStacyE

March 17, 2008, 03:17 PM

I have the Remington 870 express magnum:
http://www.remington.com/images/products/firearms/shotgun/870_exp_sm_combo[1].jpg

It came with the shorter barrel and the longer barrel for water fowl (ducks and such). I chose to slap on the short barrel for home defense.

The first thing I did was ditch the wood. I bought the TacStar Forend Grip. The Advanced Technologies Forend Grip SUCKS because it will twist from side to side with very little force. The TacStar Forend Grip does not move at all, feels much more comfortable, and is rock solid. I appreciate the stability that this grip provides and makes shooting much more enjoyable because of it.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/21/23/99/i212399sq04.jpg

I then purchased the Advanced Technologies Folding Stock. This stock may not be the most comfortable stock in the world, far from it, but it certainly does the job. I certainly do not feel the need to replace it unless I find a MUCH better folding stock (which hasn’t happened yet).
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/22/47/32/i224732sn02.jpg

As far as readily available magazine extensions go, I used the TacStar extension. They are made of steel and you can use barrel clamps without squishing them (which causes all kinds of problems). You can also clamp a tactical light to the extension (I personally love a light on mine).

The Advanced Technologies magazine extensions suck. They are plastic and you can not clamp anything to them (which caused me MANY problems). They are just JUNK.
http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/12y5.jpg

I do like the Mossberg too. One thing I like about the Mossberg is that straight out of the box it doesn't require a magazine extension.

classic095

March 18, 2008, 10:03 AM

Get the 870. Don't trust that new-fangled, semi automatic technology. Give it a few more years to get the bugs worked out of it. Let law enforcement and the military play with it for a few years to see if it actually has any merit to it

NEW FANGLED""?????? Semi Auto been around for years,, Browing A5s ,,Rem model 11 (1905-1910), Rem 878A, Rem 48 Mohawk. Remington 1100, been shooting one since 1979 and it hasnt missed a beat yet..:eek:

Rugerdoug

March 18, 2008, 07:24 PM

How about the Express Turkey Camo Shotgun. It has a 21 inch barrel. Can this be used as a SD/HD shotgun with the Choke removed? Only 3 inches more than an 18" barrel?

I guess some folks are still uncertain about the reliability of semi auto shotguns. I suppose that technically a pump is a little more fail safe. With that in mind, wouldn't a side-by-side shotgun be even more reliable. If someone is really that concerned about their shotgun failing at a critical time, wouldn't a double barreled shotgun be the ultimate in relaibilty?

Granted, a person will loose several rounds at the ready be using a double barrel. But a pump can jam just like a semi can. I don't think the odds of a side-by-side jamming are not near as high.

So, for everyone concerned with mechanical reliability may I suggest that you pick up a good double barreled shotgun. You will only have two shots immediately avaiable, but the gun is less likely to malfuntion then is a pump or semi auto shotgun.

Nemsis

March 18, 2008, 07:37 PM

rugerdoug I'm not if this is what you meant but I want to make sure noboby reads your post and tries to shoot thier gun with the choke removed and the threads exposed, you can switch out a turkey choke for a cylinder choke but nevver shoot it with no choke.

SPUSCG

March 18, 2008, 08:32 PM

the purpose of the shotgun will be mostly home defense, and training myself for when i join the police force. turkey hunting i just need a shotgun, no fancy barrells

SPUSCG

March 19, 2008, 01:37 PM

is there anything i should worry about with chamber mods, some advertised are 2 3/4 or 2 1/4 chamber mod, ect.

grey_pilgrim

March 22, 2008, 09:54 PM

If you mean chamber lengths: you can't load shells longer than the chamber length, however, you can generally load shells shorter than the chamber length. IE, i can shoot 2 and 3/4" shells in my 11-87 which is chambered for 3" shells.

Longer length generally means a longer slide pull (for a pump), but lets you throw a more powerful shell in there. Three inch winchester super x slugs will put hair on your chest (and a bruise on your shoulders) . Or maybe i'm just a wimp.

In answer to your original question, i really like my 11-87 (three inch version of a 1100), but the pump will serve you well, and in your position, i'd get the 870 with a short and long barrel. USe the short barrel for home defense, the long one for hunting. Nothing fancy.

SPUSCG

March 23, 2008, 09:58 AM

i think i will start with the pump gun and maybe buy a semi later for skeet and the like